Cop says Wood's arrest a 'highlight'

A SENIOR police officer, awarded a national service medal in NSW Parliament today, has controversially listed the arrest of recently acquitted Gordon Wood as one of his career highlights.

Detective Inspector Paul Yervan Jacob is one of eight officers to receive the Australian Police Medal in recognition of their dedication to the force.

In a release sent out to the state's media "the arrest and charging of Gordon Wood in 2006 following the re-investigation of the death of Carolyn Byrne" is listed as an achievement on par with the investigations into the 1991 Victor Chang murder, 1996 North Shore rapist and 2005 attack on Lauren Huxley.

A police spokesperson said Det Insp Jacob had received several awards and numerous letters of appreciation from the many victims and families he had supported.

They said he was regularly invited to speak with victim support groups and had "gained enormous respect and admiration" from his superiors and peers.